Few players have the character that's expected of a Real Madrid footballer. Even more so when delicate moments arise. In the middle of preseason, when decisions weigh more than ever, there are names that prefer to get ahead of events rather than be left in the background.
One of them is Raúl Asencio, who has made an important decision. He doesn't want to wait until the last day of the transfer window to find out what his role will be in Xabi Alonso's new Real Madrid.
Above all, he's not willing to spend a season stuck on the bench. With the World Cup on the horizon and his name already on the national team's lists, the scenario has completely changed.
He knows that the recent Club World Cup works against him, that Huijsen has a guaranteed starting spot. He also knows that, alongside him, Militao is the main candidate to start, with Rüdiger and Alaba waiting in the wings.
Asencio? Things don't look good.
He doesn't want to stay at any cost
Asencio has once again realized in these first days of preseason that things aren't easy for him with Xabi Alonso. The white coach has other priorities in his system, and that hasn't gone unnoticed by the player.
He knows that if he doesn't make a move, he could spend a year without minutes. That's not part of his plans.
It's not just a sporting issue. His legal problems don't help. Although he trusts everything will be solved soon, he understands that his situation could be a distraction for the locker room.
He doesn't want to be singled out for something that's off the field either. That's why he's decided to act with maturity.
A step forward
Far from choosing silence, Asencio has requested a private meeting with Xabi Alonso. He wants to speak clearly, without beating around the bush. He wants to sit face to face and know firsthand what the coach expects from him.
If he's not counted on for an active role, he'll ask to leave. Whether on loan or in a deal with a purchase option.
It's not a tantrum. It's a strategy. Asencio believes this is the perfect moment to establish himself.
He knows that outside Real Madrid there are teams that do value what he can contribute. He's heard that clubs from LaLiga and the Premier have already inquired about his availability. He doesn't want to rush, but he's clear that staying without playing would be a step backward.
The World Cup and the pressure
Being drafted with Spain has been a turning point for him. He's seen himself capable of performing at the international level and that's given him wings.
It's also set a new goal for him: to keep that level. To achieve it, he needs continuity. That's something, as of today, he doesn't have guaranteed at Bernabéu.
The conversation with Xabi Alonso could be decisive. Asencio doesn't want to waste time.
He's chosen the bravest path: honesty. Real Madrid have already been warned.
They know that his main desire is to stay at Real Madrid...playing.